According to Counterpoint Research, global smartwatch shipments grew 8% in the second quarter of 2025 after a long period of decline. A key factor was the buoyancy of Huawei, which surpassed Apple in sales for the first time.
The Chinese manufacturer's shipments grew 52% over the year, with over 75% of its devices sold in the domestic market. Sales in Europe, the Middle East, and Asia also contributed to the growth. Models in the $100-$400 price range were particularly popular.
In contrast, Apple saw another decline, ending the quarter with a 3% drop. This was its seventh consecutive decline, but the company maintained its lead in the premium market thanks to its health monitoring features and loyal audience.
The report states that Xiaomi saw a 38% increase in shipments of budget models, while Samsung, mirroring Apple's momentum, lost 3%. Analysts predict that the overall smartwatch market will grow by approximately 3% in 2025, primarily driven by China.
Recall that Huawei announced the upcoming launch of its new WATCH GT 6 series.